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Hisomuddin Bakar runs Kuala Lumpur-based research and intelligence firm Ilham Centre.

He is a familiar name in political punditry and commentary, even more so recently, with Malaysia experiencing peak election fever.

All eyes are on PM Anwar Ibrahim and whether he can not only pull off a miracle to survive the onslaught of the “blue wave” (the unified Malay bloc), but also keep his government intact for a full term.

Is this checkmate for Anwar and his PH coalition?

My interview with Hisomuddin explores the playbook of the current Malay political parties, the pulse of both Malay and non-Malay voters, and inside takes from both corporate and political circles.

The interview has been translated into English and lightly edited for clarity and flow.

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